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The Last Au Revoir

Well, the Big French Adventure has come to an end. What an interesting, exhilarating (at times, frustrating), up, down, and all around time it has been. I’ll tell you this: I admire anyone who can live here and not spend every cent they have on Meursault wine and pastries, anyone who can master both spoken and written French in less than 15 years, and, most of all, anyone immigrating to a foreign country without a sidekick who’s willing and able to manage European bureaucracy.

You know, someone asked me the other day if I thought the project was a success. I suppose the answer depends on how you define success. I’ve had unforgettable experiences, and met equally unforgettable people. I’ve seen many beautiful places, and while I haven’t seen a fraction of what I’d like to see in this part of the world, Europe’s not going anywhere and I know I’ll be warmly welcomed back. Overall, I’m far better for it, despite the deleterious effects on my derrière.

All Frenchy fun aside, perhaps the very best thing about this escapade has been sharing it with all of you. Your comments (now numbering over 7000) and support and encouragement have made the journey that much more joyful. And I’m undone by the positivity you’ve offered me for this next phase.

Of course many people say blogging is a grand exercise in narcissism—maybe so. For me, it’s been about connecting and sharing and keeping a record of something I always wanted to do. So, to those who think me overly self-absorbed: piss off. I’m too busy writing about myself to pay you any mind.

Alors, it is time to bid adieu to Vevey, which shall go on being splendid without me. And it is time to say so long to all of you, at least for the time being. I have no idea what my life will look like on the other side. Whether I’ll have time to blog or not, whether I want to continue to live online or not, remains to be seen. I don’t know if there’s another book to be written, which reminds me—go buy the first one, this move won’t pay for itself.

My best guess is there will be random posts in the future (or I may indeed blog regularly, who knows). If you stay subscribed, you’ll automatically know when there’s a new post, and if I slip from relative obscurity into complete obscurity, you simply won’t receive any notifications—easy peasy lemon squeezy. Or you can sign off with my thanks for a job well done. Either way, regulars and lurkers alike, come out today and say bon voyage.

I’ve found more joy writing Finding Me in France than I ever thought possible. And it seems like you’ve had more than a few laughs at me and with me. I know how much you all love to laugh (the key to a long and happy life), so today I turn it over to one of my favourite funny ladies to say what’s in my heart.

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68 Responses to The Last Au Revoir

Dear Bobbi, whatever you do next and wherever you go – have fun. I saw an old lady on TV who was being interviewed about reaching the grand age of 100 – she said that when she looks back on her life she regrets nothing she did – only what she didn’t…

Safe journeys back to the land of sour cream, miracle whip and shoppers points. I’ll miss my morning reads but hopefully you will post every now and then on the great west coast adventure. Thanks for sharing the great European adventure with us all. It’s been a lot of laughs.

From an ex expat, best of luck to you & your hubby in your new adventure. After my 8 years spent in Europe I’m glad to be living back in Newfoundland. Mind you I do miss the chocolate & the food & the good weather… :o)

Dear Bobbi
Thank you very much for your lovely blog, I have only been reading them for about a year now and I will miss you……so I hope you will start up again. Best of luck to you and your hubby and hope to hear from you again

As lorenzo said, a bientot. Thanks for all the laughs and enjoyment you have given us in following your exploits in Europe. I wish you all the best in your future adventures and do hope you will post once you are settled in Victoria – just so we know you have found the nearest Shoppers Drug Mart!

Bon Voyage Bobbi !
A little something to take with you from someone who writes way better than I ever will….
‘I give you this to take with you, nothing remains as it was, if you know this you can begin again with pure joy in the uprooting.’
It’s been great to travel and experience this wild adventure through your writing.
Merci beau coup et a bientot!

I can only echo Dawn and Sarah – thank you for sharing your dream and allowing us with weaker constitutions to live through your adventures and good luck with the next phase of life. I’m sure there’s plenty of experiences awaiting you that we’d love to share when you have the time. Most of all, welcome back.

Well done, Bobbi; a life journey following your heart, love and wanderlust. You have leapt from “the Rock” over ocean to Nova Scotia, over ocean to unbeknown European adventures, and now back over oceans to the other coast of our beloved Canada. Pretty amazing!
You’ll be WALKING on water now, with all that in your pockets!
And when you nest in Victoria, they’ll all be looking up, way up to the gorgeous giraffe who has landed in their midst; standing tall and ready for her next chapter!!
Can’t get much better than that!! All the very best; thanks for sharing the past with such creative, humorous flair. . . Here’s hoping that we can come along on this new journey with you again!! God bless!

No! No! No! You can’t just drop us like a hot potato! I can’t believe what I’ve just read. I thought you were going to take a short break from “our” online lives–you know, just to fly to Victoria and unpack. I’m having a physical reaction here–a real sense of loss. You are a born writer and comic and it would be a CRIME if you stopped writing. I promise to buy all your future books and tell all my friends. I COMMAND you not to become obscure. The world needs your funniness. We have become dependant on your blogs. Have a first-class flight back to our wonderful Canada and tell us about funny happenings in Victoria. Don’t make us cry. We love you Bobbi!

Bon voyage, Bobbi! It has been our pleasure to journey with you, to share the laughter and good times. Wherever this next phase of your life takes you, do be sure to enjoy every minute! Here’s hoping for more posts from the land of sour cream and Shoppers!

You know what they say: You can take the girl out of Vevey but you can’t take Vevey out of the girl.

You’re an artist, Bobbi, and you have to do whatever it takes to nurture your art. I hope that means another book, a further blog, but if it means re-claiming a private life then we’ll just have to honor your decision to take your creativity in that direction…

Wait. What am I saying??? Of course you have to keep writing and putting it all OUT THERE and inspiring your devoted readers with the sanity and spirit of your Life Less Ordinary.

Don’t make me beg.

I’ll subscribe and hope for the best for my little world…but for you and Neil I know you’ll achieve your hearts’ desires every day in your new adventure on the Left Coast. Excelsior, and all that. Seriously.

Hi Bobbi, I know you have the book and all but if you want to turn your blog into a book (complete with comments etc) I recommend Sharebook. I’ve used it for my travel blogs for the past 3 years and each has turned out beautifully and come remarkably quickly (I think they are printed in Belgium).
I’ve enjoyed following your blog and I think it’s been a great example for the medical community…so many people think that a medical career is a life sentence and you’ve shown them that it is possible to leave and live your dreams!
Congratulations!
Sarah

Greetings from “the shed” at Cobequid!
Memory Jogging – One day during break at Cobequid many years ago, the topic of age was being discussed and when you found out how old I was, you told me that from a medical perspective I looked ten years younger than my actual age. Now, that is a compliment that any aging female will hold on to for the rest of her life, and never forget where, when and who said it! I thank you again, because every time the “getting up there” thoughts creep into my head I remember you and your kind words.

Congratulations on your many successes and welcome back to Canada!

Selfish Thoughts – There’s an old saying that goes something like this, “Wherever you go, you always take yourself with you.” So you, my dear, will never be short of story material wherever you hang your hat. And now, the selfish thought – I’m hoping that you will continue to grace us with your bloggings (and another book or ten).

Kind words last forever and should never go unsaid. You have made a difference and have touched many lives. Kudos and Godspeed!

It’s been a pleasure discovering your book, I keep recommending it to all of my friends. It’s a great reminder that age has no importance, and you never should be scared to follow your dreams. Sometimes, they might turn out better than your wildest hopes.

I wish you good luck in your next adventures! Keep that young spirit of yours alive and burning! You are a great inspiration! ♥

Congratulations to you both as well as your IT Techie on a job well done. If you got out of it what your readers did it was well worth the effort. I am envious of Victoria having been lucky enough to secure your services and the children there will be much better off for that as well. You are much wiser than your years. Only good thoughts and wishes follow you.

I have so enjoyed your blog from France and Switzerland and will miss your wonderful writing, sense of humor and sense of adventure. I hope you will share your new Victoria self with us. I am in San Francisco and would love to learn more about life in Victoria since you will be oh so very close, just a hop, skip and a jump up the coast. Surely, your life will be just as interesting in your home country.

Ah, Bobbi. We’ll miss you so. It’s been lovely to see how all this is done, this dream-following business, this sour cream deprivation and verb conjugation conundrum. I’m very glad to have your book and your blog, which I hope you’ll keep alive with occasional posts from the mother country.

I want to tell you that the laughter and joy that your book and blog has brought into my life is so appreciated. I am sure with your personality, you will adapt to your new surroundings. All the best to you both.

Same wishes as all the others. It has been interesting, eye-opening, thought provoking, and very entertaining to read both the book and your blog. Your experiences of trying a new country, language and lifestyle, plus blogging about it, have given us lots to think and laugh about. I’m sure you will find lots to comment on when you land in Victoria. Be prepared for a west-east culture shock – which I’m sure you will easily be able to handle. If you find yourself in TO, would love to meet.

I wll miss you very much…thank you a thousand times for your writing…from someone who treasures the written word, who loves great writers everywhere.
Thank you for your humour, and your generosity in sharing your fantastic adventure.
Welcome back to our beautiful country.
Please take up the “pen”again,when you are ready.
Au Revoir, for now.

Bobbi, I want to very politely thank you for sharing your wonderful adventure and wish you and Neil a very happy new life on Vancouver Island. Inside my heart is also beating in time with Lucy and Vivian’s message. I do not want the literary party to end. Sniff, sniff
Hugs to you both.
Arlene in Alberta

You have an inventive mind. I know there’s all kinds of stuff going on up there (waaaaay up there, ha ha) and I can’t wait to see what you choose to do next. I know writing will be a part of it. Let’s face it, you’d be tres stupide to give that up now.

I’ve been a lurker for several months now, inspired by your tale, that of a fellow Canadian, fellow blogger, fellow “me searcher” and all around kindred spirit. And I am so saddened by this most recent post. I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award because I want my few (3?) readers to link to you and see what wonders the great world of blogging has to offer. Thank you for sharing your adventure. You cannot ride into the sunset … it’s constantly drizzling on the West Coast. So keep on writing. Please.http://versatilebloggeraward.wordpress.com/vba-rules/

I’m another lurker–having left a scant two or three comments over the two years or so you’ve been posting.

I hope this isn’t the last we hear of you–even if your posts are infrequent–your wry sense of humor and grasp of the odd moment are unique and precious. I, for one, will continue my subscription hoping to see more from you.

You lived the dream I always wanted to live.
You showed the courage I always wanted to have.
Please know that I will always remember the experiences you shared.
I now know that fantasy can be come reality.
Thank you! I wish you nothing but the best!

It has been wonderful to follow your adventures ! I have to admit that I am so happy to hear you will be working with youth again – you have a gift and they will be lucky to have you. Hope to see you when you make back to the East Coast. Happy Travels !

Hope that we’ll be finding you here again, when you find yourself settled away on your new island home. Safe travels. You must know that we’ll all be still lurking around, waiting to hear about how your arse is fitting in on the west coast

Seriously, Bobbi, did you know today was Carol Burnett’s 80th birthday? If not, then including her was a beautiful if spooky, coincidence. Like you, she is a somewhat-tall, funny, exquisitely ingenious survivor. Your evolution continues. We all wish you well and hope to see you again on the the internet and in this part of our lives.

Ahhh … I had a feeling this was coming … but such is life: the only constant is change … Thank you for sharing your witty, entertaining writing with us. All the best to you and Neil as you take the next turn in the road.

Good luck to you both on your new adventure and I will miss your regular posts. Enjoy your new career and I hope your time in France and Switzerland have been valuable and will leave you with a stack of happy memories. Have fun in Victoria!

I’m with Lucy – you just can’t leave us – we will miss your morning missives too much – I know, I know – you have a life and work and things to do, but – you have really brightened up our day with each and every post. If you get a moment, send us a line (or two…) – we’ll all be waiting….

Oh, Wow! You lucky couple!! Good luck in Victoria, Beautiful British Columbia (as the licence plates brag!) and it is so true!
I hope you both love it there! I lived there for a year a long time ago and it was so wonderful. It was everything Halifax had, but with much better food, and such incredible places to see. I hope you both love your work and love the countryside. First thing to do is drive ‘up Island’, literally just the drive is breathtaking, you will think you are driving somewhere in Europe again! Be patient with the locals, they are sometimes cool and aloof, maybe not as warm and friendly as here. I blamed it on the very British influence….Well, have a great new adventure and thanks for all of the interesting information and photos you have shared. WE hope to hear from you guys some day again. Lily says hello!! All the Best Bobbi! Enjoy your next wonderful adventure :)
ps, I really loved the scarf video you posted on one of your blogs!!! LOVED it!! thanks.

Hi There, Your finders have said it all. I too have been following your blog from the beginning, and I’ve learned a lot about grace from your musings. From the outset it was essentially about freedom….claiming it for yourself and extending it to others. Thank you for letting us walk through the pages of your European journey, and we know for sure, that whatever you do, quit is not in your vocabulary. Press on. It is worth all the effort, and the good news is that you are not alone. Au Revoir, and God Speed. Sheila P,

Wow, you’ve done a spectacular thing. I am so very happy you’re coming back to the homeland for the next chapter of your grand adventure. I wish you much luck, patience and pain free comfortable plane seats as you travel.
You inspire me!!!
See you in Vic.!!

Thanks Bobbi for your generous spirit in sharing your life (and Neil’s too) for the past two plus years. Its been a real delight to be of one your regular lurkers, its not that I meant to be its just that I am not so techno savey, as my kids would say I’m old school but today I am subscribing so that i will not lose contact all together and with the possibility that you will gives us all a booster shot from time to time. It has been a real pleasure as well in getting to know, and being introduced to many of your regular followers, I will miss them all as well. I wish you all the best to you and Neil on the next part of your journey, keep on writing, your writing is simply brilliant.
Salutations from the old mothership
Joan

I have so enjoyed reading your posts, smiling, laughing, wishing I could write like that. You have such a great way with words and I have heard and get the desire, challenge and wonder of living in a new country. You’ve brought wonder and humour and I’ve loved it, so thank you so much and all the best.

Big hugs and I’ll miss your cracking humour and refreshing take on European life. Pity we never met in France but I have your book!! Do take care of each other and best wishes for a bright and brilliant future. Xoxo Catherine

Please don’t stop! I have been lurking for a while, and you have a wonderful and amusing turn of phrase, in the best Newfoundland style! I am sure you will find plenty of blog fodder on the rain coast….

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